The magnificent brand new Hillside Library, located on 155 Lakeville Road, New Hyde Park held its opening last Saturday, March 3.

Library Board President Richard Bursig said that the process had been long and arduous, but, as all in attendance could see, well worth it.

He took everyone back to the time that the library board members were searching for a property large enough to build a new library and by happenstance he ran into Kismet Shriners Potentate Mark Suckle, who lives in New Hyde Park a block away from him, and he mentioned that the Shriners were getting ready to sell their building on Lakeville Road. And, as Bursig, said, "the rest is history."

Bursig also mentioned that the building had once housed the Fair Lanes Bowling Alley prior to being turned over to the Shriners, for what they billed as "the largest dance floor on Long Island."

Bursig continued, "It took a lot of paperwork with the New York State Board of Education, since the library is technically a school library, and thanks to former New Hyde Park School Board Assistant Superintendent Bonnie Palker for all of her hard work, it took a huge bond to be passed by the residents and it took a lot of paperwork connected with taxes, etc. that Nassau County Legislator Richard Nicolello stepped in and made happen."

His list thanked many other folks such as the architect, the attorney and the company that completely outfitted the library with furniture, all present for the opening.

On hand at the opening was Legislator Nicolello, New York State Senator Craig Johnson, New Hyde Park Village Deputy Mayor Robert Lofaro, trustee Donald Barbieri and village clerk Patrick Farrell.

The New Hyde Park/Garden City Park School Board members were well represented with President Tricia Rudd, Vice President Robert Nugent and Trustee Frank Miranda. And, Bursig gave a special thanks to former New Hyde Park/Garden City Park School Board Assistant Superintendent for all the work she put into the project so that it could come to such a smooth fruition.

All the members of the library board were on hand including Bursig, Maura Rossi, Kathleen Seyfried, Ruth Baer and Pam Pursino. Library director Charlene Noll did the ribbon-cutting honors, and the rest of the board were visibly giddy at the momentous moment.

The library itself is beautiful and the first floor even includes an electric fireplace that adds a great deal of solace to a reading section.

There is a section for computer use and of course shelves and shelves of books.

Upstairs is a special area for young adults and of course the ever-popular children's section and in the back an enormous meeting room that could be utilized for various groups to meet.

There is only one drawback to the library and that is the fact that all the schools in New Hyde Park are on the opposite side of Lakeville Road. In order for any child to get to the library, who lives in that area, they must cross Lakeville Road which has heavy traffic and is very dangerous.

It is hoped, the county, the municipality that owns the road, will install a traffic light so that the children and adults will have a safer journey crossing the street to the library.